BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Ravens and Steelers are having their Thanksgiving matchup moved to Sunday because of COVID-19 cases in Baltimore.
News broke early this week that the Baltimore Ravens were dealing with a number of positive COVID-19 test results. The team was already set to be without running backs Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins and seven players received positive tests.
The Ravens were scheduled for a Thanksgiving showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers and that looked to be in danger right away. The NFL finally stepped in Wednesday afternoon and postponed the game until Sunday.
Ravens-Steelers moved to Sunday
One thing to note is those Ravens players who tested positive still aren’t eligible to play Sunday. But this postponement allows the Ravens to continue receiving test results and make sure there isn’t a huge outbreak. That would put both teams at risk and just isn’t necessary, no matter the frustration that comes with moving a marquee game.
The Steelers have a 10-0 record while the Ravens are 6-4 and just looking to stay alive in the AFC playoff race. Moving the game doesn’t seem to add any advantage for Baltimore given all the positive tests.
The NFL decided to move this game after forcing other teams to play without several key players earlier this season. That is going to anger some fans, however, this is still a once-in-a-lifetime situation that is developing with each passing day.
The league’s goal now is to have every team play a full 16-game schedule. This game is not being played on a Tuesday or even a Monday afternoon. It will take place on a Sunday and the move shouldn’t be a major point of discussion once the season concludes.